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Urban Planner: December 12, 2008
ART: The Harbourfront Centre’s Power Plant Gallery kicks off its winter season with a public reception tonight with three exhibitions addressing the uncertainties of the world around us. “If We Can’t Get It Together,” “Headless,” and “Beauty Plus Pity” all feature homegrown and international artists, and the gallery promises an exciting series of lectures, films, and other ways to approach the idea that we’ve over-consumed our way into absolute emotional and fiscal bankruptcy. Happy holidays! The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (231 Queen’s Quay West), opening tonight 7:30–11 p.m., gallery hours Tuesday to Sunday, 12–6 p.m., Wednesday 12–8 p.m., closed Mondays, holiday hours vary, FREE.
THEATRE: Think of it as one of those “A Part of Our Heritage” commercials, but with less clothes—take a trip through time tonight with Toronto’s modern burlesque team, The Cinnamon Hearts, as they offer a history lesson unlike any other. Learn about the Great Burlesque Robbery of 1815 and the sultry tales of World War I nurses, then stick around for hot dancing to the beats of DJ San Fran. Goodhandy’s (120 Church Street), doors at 9 p.m., $10 in advance at Come as Your Are and Xtra Magazine, $12 at the door.
MUSIC: Turn off the new T.I. album and listen to some real tunes tonight, young whippersnapper. The Toronto Jazz Orchestra know how to lay down the heavy jams, so head over to the Rex and experience live music the way it’s meant to be experienced—loud, boisterous, and in a sweaty, packed room when it’s minus ten outside. The Rex Hotel (194 Queen Street West), 6:30–8:30 p.m., FREE (donations appreciated).
FILM: Finally, a film shot in Toronto that’s actually set in Toronto. Toronto Stories, written and directed by Sook-Yin Lee, David Sutherland, David Weaver, and Aaron Woodley, shows what happens when four different stories intersect as a result of one nameless boy. Featuring some stunning cinematography (on 35mm!) of Toronto locales such as Cabbagetown, Kensington Market, and Union Station, this one is worth checking out for the scenery alone. The Royal Theatre (608 College Street), December 12–18, 7 and 9 p.m.
Image of Goldin and Senneby’s, Looking for Headless (project documentation), 2007, courtesy of the artists.